1. Choose your download site carefully. 
   Not all sites do the extra efforts to test software for stability, usability, spyware, viruses, etc. Major sites, with large repositories of files and a track record of millions of downloads, generally screen and review each program very carefully. The site, as well as editors of major computer publications — PC Magazine, Computer Shopper, PC World, etc. — carefully review each program and usually have some type of mini-review somewhere (publication or Web site).
   
   
2. Look for information. 
   Before you begin a download, look for professional reviews and/or comments from everyday users. The better download sites offer informed reviews and popularity (number of downloads) of each program. Some also let visitors comment on the pros and cons of the software. So, it makes sense to let somebody else's PC serve as the guinea pig.
   
   
3. Ask yourself whether you need the software.
   Microsoft bundles numerous utilities in each version of Windows, including hard drive scanners, defragers, system monitors, and data backup programs. If a Windows tool can do the trick, why bother with a download? Some programs, however, are built to make other programs faster or better.
   
   
4. Check whether the software author or vendor offers technical support.
   If the software you want is a demo version of a retail package, you may find a phone number; if it's a homemade utility from a single programmer, you may have to settle for an e-mail address. Generally, Freeware and Shareware programmers have a “day job” and program after work. Be considerate of their time and home life. Also watch the time zone differences and don’t make late calls to the programmer.
   
   
5. Read the software agreement and monitor the installation.
   Yes, read the whole entire agreement, before you download. If you can’t live with the terms, don’t download! Also, closely monitor the installation. These two steps are the best way to find out whether your nifty free or nominal fee program carries an extra, unadvertised spyware bonus pack. If you have trouble deciphering the agreement, check to see whether the download shows up on Spy Checker, an easily searchable public database that has information on which downloads include spyware and adware.
   
   
6. If you accidentally download and install adware or spyware
   and then want to get rid of it, start by seeing if the program's maker or seller offers an uninstall program. If not, see if you can find others who have already mastered this task and follow the advice they offer. You might also give Lavasoft's free Ad-aware program a try. It spots and removes most of the major offenders. Make sure, however, that you get the most up-to-date files so you don't miss anything.
   
   
7. Uninstall with prejudice.
   If you run into problems with software, don't hesitate to get rid of it. If a program has no uninstall feature, you might also try using Windows' Add/Remove program. If that doesn't work, consider 4Developers' Add/Remove 4Good, a $13 shareware product that lets you completely remove up to seven programs during its free trial period.
   
   Carefully clean out the stray and unnecessary DLLs and leftover Windows Registry entries that uninstalled software often leaves behind. Knowledgeable, confident users can do this manually. The rest of us are probably better off letting a reliable program, such as Easy Desk Software's Perfect Companion, do the job. It is free to try, but $30 to keep.

Conflicts can be managed. Some Freeware and Shareware programs can cause conflicts when installed. Consider that if you install more than one program and then have trouble, you may not be able to pinpoint the offender. So, after you have installed a new program, try waiting a few days before you install another. That way you will know exactly which program to “execute,” er, I mean “Kill,” (not good either) ????? You know what to do, so just “Do It!”